Method of suspending electrodes



Jan. 9, 1923-.

C. W. SDERBERG.

METHOD 0F SUSPENDING ELECTRODES.

FILED JAN.27,1920.

Carl

Wilhelm Sderb erg,

Al Lornys.

Patented Jan. 9, 192.3.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CARL WILHELH SDERBERG, 0F CHBISTIANIA, NORWAY, ASSIGNOR TO DECl` NORSXE AKTIESELSKAB FOB ELEXTROKEMISK BUSINESS ENTITY.

INDUSTRI, 0F CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY, A

Y METHOD OF SUSPENDING ELECTRODES.

Application led January 27, 1920. Serial No. 354,369.

To all whom t may concern.:

Be it known that I, CARL WiLHELM SDER'BERG, a subject of Norway7 and ya resident of Christiania, Kingdom of'Norway, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in the Methods of Suspending Electrodes, of which the following is a speciication.

This invention relates hto electrodes being baked in the electric furnace in which they are used and the object of the invention is a method whereby such electrodes may be suspended 4from their lower part which is baked and consequently hard.

In the baking of electrodes in the electric furnace in which they are used the electrodes have either been Suspended from a metallic core around which the raw electrode mass has been tamped suchas set forth in my U. S. patent application Serial No. 205,416 filed December 4, 1917, or in a metallic mantle enveloping the electrode mass, Serial No. 322,840,1ed september 8, 1919.

According -to my present invention I suspend the electrode from its lower baked part, thus obtaining `great advantage in that the weight of the electrode instead of causing a strain in the electrode mass serves to compress it and secure a compactness ofthe electrode at the point where baking takes place.

I can attach the holder to the baked electrode mass in various ways. It may be advantageous to attach the holder externally around the electrode, but it may also in cer# tain cases be attached internally. In certain types of furnace the latter arrangement may be preferable as the holder may then be placed very low down, even lower than the roof of the furnace.

On account of of the comparatively high temperature in the'lower part of the electrode it may be necessary to arrange cooling of the holder either in the form of water cooling or by other known means. This is especially necessary when internal holders are used.

By my method of suspending the electrode also a tubular metallic lining to which the holder may be attached.

As the lower part of the electrode is gradually consumed the holder is detached v,and moved upwards, care being taken not to move th'e holder above the baked and hard part of the electrode. The holder is then again attached and the electrode may be lowered as commonly p-racticed with ordinary electrodes. New'electrode mass may be supplied to the top of the electrode in channelled or solid electrode form through a mold or otherwise as may be desired in each special case. and the electrode thus be made continuously in the furnace in which it is employed; or in the alternative electrodes of a definite length may be employed which when consumed may be replaced by new electrodes. In the latter case the individual electrodes must be prebaked at least in the part to which the holder is attached.

In the drawings forming part of this application I have illustrated my invention, Figure l showing a-n electrode suspended by an external holder and Figure 2 by an internal holder.

In Figure l a designates an open electric furnace, b the baked part of the electrode, c,

the unbaked or only slightly baked part of the electrode, and d a mantle into which the raw electrode mass is tamped. This mantle as illustrated in the drawings has the characterv of a mold and does not follow the electrode into the furnace but is displaced upwards together with the holder f. 'The supplying of the electrode mass and the tamplng of the same into the mantle may readily effected from the platform e. The holder f is illustrated as attached to the baked part of the electrode below the mantle l .and suspended by cables g, the holders shown being of the well known clamped ring type.

In carrying outI my invention with the lform'illustrated in Figure 1,'I proceed as follows r- An electrode formed from raw electrode mass and bakedl at its lower end by a preliminary heating is placed in the mantle d l a metallic core or casing may if desired b`e\ and suspended over the electric furnace a completely avoided, and no metal will then enter the furnace together with the electrode, In many cases, however, it is advantageous with my present method to employ a `metallic mantle and in case of internal suspension into the electric furnace. The electrode mass will gradually become baked also in its upper part by means of heat from the electric furnace. T he electrode holder f may therefore gradually be moved upwards. the

electrode still being suspended only in its'v The mantle or mould l in this baked part. particular illustration is moved upwards together with the holder f, and it will be un- 4derstood'that no metal will be brought into the furnace by the electrode. As the electrode is consumed and lowered new electrode mass is tamped into the mantle or mould d, the electrode thus being madev continuously.

Figure 2 illustrates my invention in con-l nection with an internal holder, a closed electric furnace l1,I being shown. As in the case of Figure 1 the lower part z' of the electrode is baked and the upper part Il: is unbaked or only slightly baked and a mold or mantle Z is illustrated which does not enter the furnace. The holder m isv water cooled. and extends into a longitudinal channel formed through the center of the electrode. The holder consists of a tube split at its lower end into several sections which are pressed into holding engagement with -the baked part of the electrode z' by means of a wedge n when the wedge is pulled upwards by means of the rod 0. The holder m is attached to a clamp or similar device q hanging in the chains or cables p The electric current is supplied through the leads 7'.

In carrying out my invention with the form illustrated in Figure 2, I proceed as follows v An electrode formed from raw electrode mass and baked at its lower end by a preliminary heating is placed in the closed electric furnace h. The electrode is formed with a channel through its .center and through this channel I introduce the holder m. When the lower end of the tube has extended down to the baked part of the electrode i, I pull the rod o upwards thereby raising the wedge and pressing' the lower end of the holder .tight to the baked part of the electrode. hang from the lower part of the tube. As the electrode becomes baked by means of heat from the electric furnace and is consumed therein .the wedge may be pushed down thus loosening the grip of the holder, and the latter may be moved upwards to a suitable distance ,from the melting crater of the furnace and again tightened. N ew electrode mass is from time to time tamped into the mould or mantle Z thus compensating for the consumption at the working end of the electrode.

As will be understood from above example this method'of suspending electrodes offers special advanta es for closed types of electric furnaces, an the channel through The electrode will nowl the electrode may then ifdesired be used for introducin or removing gas and also for charging t e furnace.

The foregoing detailed description has been given 4for clearness of understanding only and no undue limitation should be deduced therefrom but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. Method of suspending electrodes being.,r baked in the electric furnace in which they are used which consists in attaching a holder to the lower` baked part of the electrode and suspending the electrode therefrom.

2. Method of suspending electrodes being baked in the electric furnace in which they are used which consists in attaching a holder to the lower baked part of the electrode and suspending the electrode therefrom and from time to time moving the holder upwards as the electrode is consumed.

3: Method of suspending electrodes being baked in the electric furnace in which they are useil which consists in attaching a holder internally in a longitudinal channel through the electrode and suspending the electrode therefrom.

4. Method of suspending electrodes being baked in the electric furnace in which they are used which consists in introducing a tube into a longitudinal channel through the electrode a'nd attaching said tube to the lower part of the electrode and suspending the electrode from said tube.

5. Method of suspending electrodes being baked in the electric furnace in which they are used which consists in introducing a tube into a longitudinal channel through the electrode, said tube being split up at its lower end and a rod passing through 'the tube provided with a wedge mounted on its lower end, attaching the lower end of the tube to the -baked part of the electrode by pulling said wedge upwards and suspending the electrode from said tube.

6. Method of suspending electrodes being baked in the electric furnace in which they are used which consistsuin introducing a metal tube into a longitudinal channel through the electrode, said metal tube being split up at its lower end and a rod passingr through the metal tube provided with a wedge mounted on its lower end, attaching the lower end of the metal tube to the baked part of the electrode by /pulling said wedge upwards and suspending the electrode from said metal tube.

.7. Method of suspending electrodes being baked in the electric furnace in which they are used which consists in introducing a metal tube into a longitudinal channel through the electrode, said metal tube being split up at its lower end and a rod passing through the metal tube provided with a wedge mounted on its lower end, attaching the lower end of the metal tube to the baked part of the electrode by pulling said wedge baked in the electric furnace in which they are used which vconsists in introducing a metal tube into a longitudinal channel through the electrode, said metal tube being ysplit up at its lower end and a rod passing through the metal tube provided with a wedge mounted on its lower end, attaching the lower end of the metal tube to the baked part of the electrode by pulling said wedge upwards and suspending the electrode from said metal tube, said tube being provided with water cooling, and from time to time moving the tube upwards as the lower end of the electrode is consumed. A

9. The process of producin carbon electrodes inthe furnace in whic they are being employed, which comprises baking the lower part of the electrode by the heat from said furnace, suspending the electrode by a clamping action exerted at the level of a baked portion thereof, and supplying raw electrode material to the top of the electrode, whereby tensile strain in the electrode above the baked portion.v is avoided.

10. The process of producing carbon electrodes continuedly in the furnace in which they are being employed, which comprises baking the lower part of the electrode by the heat from said furnace, suspending the electrode by a clamping action exerted at the level of a baked portion thereof -by an electrode holder,land supplying raw electrode material to the top of the electrode and mov, ing the electrode holder upwardly in respect .to the electrode as the electrode lis consumed.

11. The process of producingacarbon electrodeprovided with a longitudinal channel in the furnace in which it is being employed, which comprises bakin the lower part of the electrode by the heat rom the said furnace, suspending the electrodefrom the baked portion thereof and supplying raw electrode material to the top of the electrode in channelled electrode form, whereby tensile strain in the electrode above the baked portion is avoided.

12. The process of producing fa carbon electrode provided with a longitudinal chan-V nel in the furnacein which it is being employed, 'which' comprises baking thel lower part of the-electrode by the heat from the said furnace, suspending the electrode frpm the baked portion thereof by an inside electrode-holder, andv supplying raw'electrodev material to the top of the electrode in channelled electrode form.

j13. The process of producing a Acarbonv electrode provided with a longitudinal channel continuedly in the furnace in which it is .being employed, which comprises baking the lower part of the electrode by the heat from the said furnace, suspending the elec# trode from the baked portion thereof by an electrode-holder, and supplying raw electrode material to the top of the electrode in channeled electrode form and moving the electrode-holder upwardly in respect to the electrode as the electrode is consumed.

14. The process of producing a carbon electrode provided with a longitudinal' chali-A nel ,continuedly in the furnace in which it is being employed, which com rises baking the lower part of the electrode by the heat from the said furnace, suspending the electrode from the baked portion thereof by an inside electrode-holder, and supplying raw electrode material to the top of the electrode in chani nelled elec-trode form and moving the electrode-holder upwardly in respect to the electrodeas the electrode is consumed.

15, The process of producing carbon electrodes'continuedlyv in the furnace in which they are being employed, which comprises baking the lower part of the electrode bythe heat from the said furnace, suspending the electrode from the baked portion thereof b an electrode-holder, and supplying raw eliectrode material to the top of the electrode through a mold and moving the electrodeholder upwardly in respect to the electrode as the electrode is consumed.

16. The process of` producing a. carbon electrode provided with a longitudinal channel continuedly in the furnace in which it is being employed, which comprises baking the lower part of the electrode by the heat from the said furnace, suspending the electrode from the baked portion thereof by an electrode-holder, and supplying raw electrode material to the top of the electrode through a mold in channelled electrode form and moving the electrode-holder upwardly in respect to the electrode as the electrode is consumed. y

'17. The process of producing a carbon electrode provided with a longitudinal channel continuedly in the furnace in which it is beingemployed, which comprises baking the lower part of the electrode by the heat from the said furnace, suspending the electrode from the baked portion thereof by an inside electrode-holder, and supplying raw electrode material to the `top of the electrode through a mold in channelled electrode form and moving the electrode-holder upwardly in respect to the electrode as the electrode is consumed.. v

18. As a new and useful article of manufacture, a channelled electrode baked in the furnace in which it is used and adapted for the introduction into or removal from the furnace of gas, said electrode comprising thereof.

when in use a baked portion and 'a partially baked portion.

19. As a new and useful article of manufacturel an electrode provided with a feeding channel baked in the furnace inwhich it is used and comprising when in use a baked portion and a partially baked portion.

20. As a new and useful article of manufacture, an electrode for use in ant electric furnace provided with a channel adapted for charging the furnace and comprising a body portion structurally differing at its two ends, the conductivity of the body portion being permanently greater at the working end 21. As a newrand useful article of manui facture, an electrode baked in the furnace in which it is used and comprising when in use a baked portion and a partially baked portion, the compactness` of the electrode increasing toward the working end thereof.

22. The combination of an electrode provided with an internal longitudinal channel vand means within the channel for supporting the electrode.

23. The combination of a hollow electrode and holder therefor projecting down into the hollow of the electrode and movable longitudinally in respect to the electrode.

24. An insideholder for a hollow electrode comprising cooperating members movable in respect to each other to create a clamping action in the holder to sustain the electrode.

25. An inside holder for a hollovt7 electrode comprising cooperating members movable in respect to each other to expand the holder to cause it to clamp the electrode.

26. In combination with a hollow electrode having a clamping surface on its interior, a holder therefor adapted to be inserted within the hollow of the electrode, and comprising cooperating members movable in respect to each other to create a clamping action between the holder and the clamping surface on the interior of the electrode.

27. In an inside holder for a hollow electrode the combination of cooperating members, movable in respect to each other and operable therefor from outside the electrode to create a clamping action in the holder to sustain the electrode.

28. In an inside holder for hollow electrodes. the combination of a gripping member comprising a plurality of gripping parts, an actuating member therefor provided with wedge-shape contours whereby the said gripping member parts are brought into operation, and means operable from outside the electrode for effecting an operative engagement of the actuating member with the gripping member.

29. In an inside holder for a hollow electrode comprising cooperating members eX- tending from above the top of the electrode down into the interior thereof and movable in respect to each other to create a clamping action in the holder to sustain the electrode.

30. In an inside holder for hollow electrodes, the combination of a gripping member comprising a plurality of gripping parts, an actuating member therefor provided with wedge-shape contours whereby the gripping member parts are brought into operation7 means extending from the gripping member and the actuating member whereby the said members may be positioned in-the electrode from the top thereof and whereby an operative engagement between `the gripping member and the actuating member may be effected.

Signed at Christiania, Norway, this 15th day of April, 1919.

CARL WILHELM SODERBERG. 

